My SMART goal was to take the bus to and from UMD three times per week. I
I did not do so hot on achieving my goal. I only took this bus once this past week, but one day I did car pool with my roommate one day also.
What helped me make the bus once was planning ahead. If the night before I knew I was planning on taking the bus then I would, but if I forgot and then at the last minute in the morning I would try and make the bus I would miss it and end up driving, Communication with my roommate helps to coordinate rides when we have similar schedules. Challenges were trying to make the bus; I would be running late and I would miss the bus. Also, if I had other things to do right after school I would need to drive in order to make it on time. The way I dealt with these challenges was I caved and resorted to driving. I need to find an alternative solution to these challenges.
I feel regret that I did not take the bus more often. It is a fairly easy thing to do and I could not even accomplish it; if I plan ahead more often then I think I could be more successful. When I did take the bus or carpool, I felt rewarded because not only was I helping the environment but I was also save on gas. I think the savings in gas is the what motivates me the most.
I had never taken the city the bus before and I was always nervous about getting on the correct bus. I have learned that it is not that terrifying to take the bus.
For this upcoming week, I am going to shoot for the same goal. I will take the bus to and from campus 3 times per week. I am going to make an effort to plan ahead so I have enough time to catch the bus. I am also going to avoid planning activities directly after school so I have time to take the bus home instead of driving.
Blogged for the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 2 hosted by Amy@Amy in the Rain
It can become difficult planning your bus routes around your schedule, especially with you have a time-limit. I started taking the bus my freshman year, and like you... i was a little hesitant on the whole situation. I actually enjoy riding the bus now, even though sometimes it can be difficult timing it right so you don't miss it!!! Keep trying it out, who knows.. you might learn to love it! (you'll definitely love the gas money savings!)
ReplyDeleteTaking the bus is so hard when it doesn't fit perfectly into your schedule. I take the bus everyday but end up missing it once in a while because I can't get to the bus stop in time! Our lifestyles as americans are so fast paced that we need the most convenient forms of transportation to get place to place. I do, however, notice that I fill up my gas tank wayyyy less than last year when I drove everyday.
ReplyDeleteI definitely can relate to your difficulty with this goal. Its so hard to plan your life around bus schedules even though its something very important that we want to accomplish. Not planning things right after class will probably definitely help to achieve your goal this week and car pooling with roommates is still better than driving alone. Maybe incorporating that along with the bus would be more attainable for next week? Riding the bus twice and car pooling at least once? Just a thought, good luck for your goal this week!
ReplyDeleteI have the same issue too when not planning ahead. I find myself rushing and running to the bus stop. One thing that helped me be on time at the bus stop in the past was riding it with a friend. It made me want to ride the bus because I had someone to go with. Then eventually I got comfortable with the bus and NOW, I take it everywhere.
ReplyDeleteHow far away do you live from campus? Is the possibility of biking to school an option? I will say I've been taking the bus for 3 years now and I sometimes miss the bus and end up walking or biking, so don't be too discourage because making the bus on time is not the easiet task for me either! From my experience I have learned that the bus schedules do tend to vary and so I try to be out to the bus stop about 5-10ish mintues before the expected time.
ReplyDeleteI can see how taking the bus would be a hard thing to incorporate in your life! I wish I could take the bus to school but I work out in Hermantown everyday before class and would not have time to go home and catch the bus! Also, it probably wastes just as much gas to do so!
ReplyDeleteBecause I live pretty close to campus, I have only walked and have never been on the busses. Do you have to go out really early in order to make it? I understand how it could be hard to take the bus when there are so many things going on in our lives. You might have work, volunteering, or other things to do after class and these things might require you to drive. I was once told not to look at how I failed, but what you did. Tell yourself that you DID ride once, and you carpooled: both helping the environment. Then try to use that "good feeling" you get by realizing you helped the environment to improve next week! :)
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